**Town Hall Alert: There is a good chance your state legislators are having a town hall today! It’s a perfect opportunity to hold your representatives accountable for Trump-proofing our state on issues such as: voting rights, carbon tax, protecting immigrants, criminal justice, and more.

For Seattleites in the 43rd District, there will be a town hall at 1:30pm at the Seattle First Baptist Church, 1111 Harvard Avenue; and for the 37th it will be at 10:00 a.m. at the Ethiopian Community in Seattle, 8323 Rainier Ave S.

**If you can make it down to Olympia, please attend the hearing on I-940 De-Escalate Washington on Tuesday, February 20th at 6pm in the John L. O'Brien House Office Building. Show support for de-escalating Washington state's police force: https://www.facebook.com/events/152752968768045/

Action: Support the Black Love Bailout

Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County (BLM-SKC) and the Northwest Community Bail Fund have teamed up this year to help keep people out of jail and united with their families while they are awaiting trial. From BLM-SKC:

“Everyday an average of 700,000 people are condemned to local jails and separated from their families. A majority of them are there simply because they cannot afford to pay bail, which disproportionately hurts Black and Brown people and their families.”

“When people who are jailed without conviction solely because they cannot financially afford to buy their freedom, pre-trial incarceration has catastrophic impacts on families and communities. Even a few days in jail can ruin a person’s life. They may lose their job, their family may lose housing and some even lose their children. Even if they’re later found innocent of the crime they were charged with, they may eventually turn to theft or another type of crime to make ends meet. Remaining in pre-trail detention results in 4:1 increase in jailable convictions.”

Another day, another 17 kids killed at school. Thought and prayers are nothing. We need action to protect our kids. At both the state and federal level, there is pending legislation that could make things better... or worse.

At the federal level, Republicans are trying to make things worse, by allowing people from states with lax concealed carry laws to bring their concealed guns to states with stricter laws -- like ours. HR 38 has already passed the house, and our reps voted against it. Call to thank them, and call our senators to insist that they fight this as hard as they can.

At the State level many gun regulations were proposed this year. Even with our newly Democratic Senate, many have already been scuttled. Others are still pending. Insist that your State Reps and Senators push these through.

ACTION: Tell your State and Federal senators and representatives to protect our kids from guns, by acting on the gun safety bills in front of them.

SCRIPT for State Senators and Representatives

“My name is [name] and I’m calling from [city, zip]. I'm calling today because I am horrified that another group of kids had to watch their classmates die. I expect [senator/rep] to do everything they can to enact gun regulations to protect the children of Washington State. I want Washington State to be a leader in gun safety. I understand that several gun regulation bills are still pending including:

HB 1122 / SB 5463 Dangerous Access Prevention

HB 1387 / SB 5444 Enhanced Assault Weapon Background Checks

HB 1483 Keep Crime Guns Off the Street

SB 5553 Voluntary Waiver of Firearms Rights

SB 5992 Bump Stock Ban

SB 6049 High Capacity Magazines

HB 2519 Concealed Pistol Licence Restrictions

SB 6298 domestic violence and harassement gun restrictions

I want [senator/rep] to vote for all of these, and to do everything in their power to persuade their colleagues to bring these bills to the floor and vote yes on them."

SCRIPT for Federal Senators:

Sen. Patty Murray: DC - 202-224-2621; Seattle - 206-553-5545

Sen. Maria Cantwell: DC - 202-224-3441; Seattle - 206-220-6400

“My name is [name] and I’m calling from [city]. I’m calling today to tell [Senator] that I am horrified that another group of kids had to watch their classmates die. I expect her to do everything she can to enact gun regulations to protect the children of Washington. The first step is blocking HR 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. I don't want the lax laws of other states to override our Washington laws. Is the Senator committed to stopping this bill?”

SCRIPT for Federal Representatives

Rep. Pramila Jayapal: DC - 202-225-3106; Seattle - 206-674-0040

Rep. Adam Smith: DC - 202-225-8901; Renton - 425-793-5180

“My name is [name] and I’m calling from [city, zip]. I'm calling today because I am horrified that another group of kids had to watch their classmates die. I expect [representative] to do everything they can to enact gun regulations to protect our children. I want to thank [Representative] for their vote against HR 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, and to ask them to do whatever they can to persuade their colleagues in the Senate to do the same."

The Senate is currently debating a series of immigration proposals to try to address the fate of DACA recipients who were left in limbo after Trump unilaterally ended that program in September 2017.

On the table is the Grassley bill, a deeply racist bill that reflects Trump’s racist “four pillars” of immigration policy. These include building his wall on the Mexican border; ending the diversity visa lottery to prevent black and brown immigrants from coming to America; ending the family reunification policies that have served as the backbone of American immigration for a century; and enacting permanent protections for Dreamers.

Also on the table is a bipartisan deal that was struck yesterday by centrists in both parties. This deal would provide DREAMers a path to citizenship, but would prevent them from sponsoring the parents who brought them to this country, and would also fund Trump’s border wall.As we learn more about both deals, we must make it clear to our Senators that we want them to stand strong and not allow funding for the ridiculous border wall, changes to the visa lottery system, or permanent changes to family-based migration. Immigration rights advocates have been clear that they would rather Democrats walk away than take a bad deal.

Script:

“My name is [name] and I’m calling from [city]. I’m calling today to tell [Senator] that I expect her to vote no on any immigration legislation that would make changes to legal migration or diversity visas. Protecting Dreamers is crucially important, but we can’t let Trump use them as a bargaining chip for drastic, permanent changes to legal immigration. [Senator] should vote no on any bill that sacrifices family-based migration, diversity visas, or funds Trump’s border wall in exchange for DREAMers’ protection.”

Background:

Event: Phone Bank for the WA Voting Rights Act

The WVRA Coalition is hosting a Phone bank to ensure their voices in the community are being heard. Join them and be a part of history to get a fair election system by calling legislators and urging them to vote yes on the Washington Voting Rights Act.

The so-called ADA Education and Reform Act, H.R. 620, is likely to be voted on by the House this week, probably Thursday. HR 620 would eliminate all incentives for businesses to proactively ensure their businesses are accessible to people with disabilities. Instead, people with disabilities would have to notify businesses when their rights are violated, wait six months for the business to act to address issues, and only then bring the matter to court. The bill further exempts businesses from facing any penalties for noncompliance, as long as they can show "substantial progress" in fixing issues. Thus, people with disabilities could be forced to wait to access necessary services for months or even years while waiting for businesses to decide to comply with the ADA.

By shifting the responsibility of ADA compliance from businesses to people with disabilities, Congress is essentially destroying a key element of the ADA. People with disabilities already face substantial obstacles to full participation in public life even as the law stands. Both Rep. Jayapal and Rep. Smith oppose this attack on Americans with disabilities, thank them and urge them to stand strong.

Action 1: Thank our Members of Congress for opposing H.R. 620

Sample Script

“Hi, my name is [NAME] and I'm calling from [ZIP]. I'm calling to thank Rep. [NAME] for opposing HR 620, the ADA Education and Reform Act. I agree with her/him that this bill unacceptably weakens the ADA and will hinder full access to local businesses for people with disabilities. Urge them to do all they can to defeat it.”

While Seattle’s Congressional Representatives oppose H.R. 620, the position of some nearby members of Washington’s Congressional delegation is less certain. Ask friends in Derek Kilmer’s District (D WA-06 Bremerton/Tacoma) and Dave Reichert (R WA-08 Auburn/Issaquah/Wenatchee), at the phone numbers below ,to call on their Representatives to vote no. The suggested script for their calls is the same.

Black Lives Matter Seattle-King County and Northwest Community Bail Fund are partnering this year as a part of the national annual Black Love Bail Out, beginning February 13 and lasting through the end of the month.

You can help: request bail for a friend or loved one, or volunteer to help, make a donation today.

We are all volunteers at Seattle Indivisible, but a lot of what supports our basic operations, such as meeting spaces, fliers, and website hosting costs money. Please contribute to keep us going strong into 2018.

Action:

Continuing his agenda to dismantle the federal government, President Trump is proposing to roll back environmental protections in the guise of an infrastructure bill. While largely deferring actual infrastructure spending to states and big corporations, Trump’s plan cuts back on the approval process for federal infrastructure projects, leaving room for corporations to get around existing environmental regulations.

****House:Representatives Pramila Jayapal and Adam Smith have both cosponsored the #MillionsOfJobs principles (H.Con.Res.63), which lays out the parameters of an acceptable infrastructure bill. It includes the resolution that the infrastructure bill “not weaken or repeal existing laws or rules protecting the air, water, or environment.” Thank our representatives, and tell them to oppose Trump’s infrastructure proposal.

Sample Script: “Hello, I’m [name] from [city, zip], and I wanted to thank Representative [name] for supporting the #MillionsOfJobs principles (H.Con.Res.63). I trust that Representative [name] will vote against Trump’s proposed infrastructure plan, which weakens environmental oversight of infrastructure projects, in violation of these principles.”

****Senate:No Senate equivalent to H.Con.Res.63 currently exists, so we’ll focus directly on the infrastructure bill itself.

More on Today’s Events

Resist Trump TuesdayThis week: Water for the People, Not for Profit. Seattle Indivisible, other Resist groups and allies are standing up for keeping our Washington State water clean. Trump’s infrastructure scam would open the floodgates to private management of our waterways, and strip environmental protections for infrastructure projects. Protect our public resources from profit making corporations. Events: 11.45-12.30 rally and 12.30-1.30 meeting with Senator staff.

With the White House in turmoil over more staff resignations, charges of spouse abuse, and security breaches with classified information, we are in good position to block Trump and Republicans from implementing their repugnant agenda, especially heading into recess week.

Bring a smartphone and/or laptop computer, and bring a snack to share.

Enter from the parking lot in BACK of the church. We’re in the first room on your left.

This location can be reached on King County Metro routes 5 and 45.

Do you have an idea for a future daily action? If so, please e-mail us at daily-action@seattleindivisible.com.

Contrary to what Trump would have us believe, Russia did interfere in our 2016 presidential election. As we found out last week, Russia even gained access to the voter rolls in several states. Trump is abdicating his responsibility to protect our country by not taking this grave threat to our democracy seriously, though some in his administration are:

Jeanette Manfra, the head of cybersecurity at the Department of Homeland Security, confirmed last week that the Russians successfully penetrated the voter registration rolls of several U.S. states prior to the 2016 presidential election.

Rex Tillerson, the Secretary of State, is warning that Russia is already beginning to interfere in the 2018 midterm elections.

Mike Pompeo, the CIA director, said he expects the Russians to try to interfere in the 2018 midterm elections.

ACTION:

Demand immediate hearings in light of ongoing concerns involving the nation's election infrastructure and its susceptibility to cyberattacks.

Sample Script:

“Hello! My name is [NAME] and I’m calling from [ZIP]. I have read that Jeannette Manfra of Homeland Security, and Rex Tillerson, Secretary of State, have stated that US elections were hacked by the Russian government. I’m calling to demand immediate hearings on election hacking to make sure the 2018 midterms are secure. We need to know exactly what happened so we can prevent it in the future. Please ask [SEN/REP] to advocate publicly for immediate hearings on election hacking."

Events:

** The next Resist Trump Tuesday Rally is coming up, Tuesday, 11:45 a.m. outside the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building. This week: Water for the People, Not for Profit. Seattle Indivisible, other Resist groups and allies are standing up for keeping keeping our Washington State water clean. Trump’s infrastructure scam would open the floodgates to private management of our waterways, and strip environmental protections. Protect our public resources from profit making corporations. Events: 11.45- 12.30 rally and 12.30-1.30 meeting with Senator staff.

Join us for our weekly meeting tonight!

With the White House in turmoil over more staff resignations, charges of spouse abuse, and security breaches with classified information, we are in good position to BLOCK Trump and Republicans from implementing their repugnant agenda. Especially heading into recess week.

Bring a smartphone and/or laptop computer, and bring a snack to share.Enter from the parking lot in BACK of the church. We’re in the first room on your left.This location can be reached on King County Metro routes 5 and 45.RSVP at https://www.facebook.com/events/1996943760584366/

** The next Resist Trump Tuesday Rally is coming up, Tuesday, 11:45 a.m. outside the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building. This week: Water for the People, Not for Profit. Seattle Indivisible, other Resist groups and allies are standing up for keeping keeping our Washington State water clean. Trump’s infrastructure scam would open the floodgates to private management of our waterways, and strip environmental protections. Protect our public resources from profit making corporations. Events: 11.45- 12.30 rally and 12.30-1.30 meeting with Senator staff.https://www.facebook.com/events/207978356430822/

ACTION: Leave Comments on the two bills in the Washington State legislature

The cutoff for legislation to clear either the Washington State House or Senate is approaching, and there are two bills that need our help. Please comment in favor of these bills.

SB5689: Keep Washington Working Act

This bill will provide important protections for immigrants, giving the Attorney General the resources to prohibit state resources from being used to assist immigration enforcement. WA Immigrant Solidarity Network (WAISN) has provided an e-mail tool that can help you out with the text and submit your comments.https://actionnetwork.org/letters/keep-wa-working

Additionally, WPD is looking for speakers to testify in Olympia on Friday, 2/16 about this bill. They will provide analysis to help you out. If you are able to help, please see this event, and e-mail Summer Stinson at summer (at) paramountduty (dot) org.https://www.facebook.com/events/320293725132231/

Good News

A few weeks ago, we asked you to call in support of Automatic Voter Registration in the legislature. Today, it passed the Senate by a 34-13 margin. It still needs to pass the House and get the Governor's signature before it's law, but this is a big step in the right direction.https://twitter.com/wavotingjustice/status/962425853241057280

Action: Leave Comments on the Carbon Tax bill in the Washington State Senate

While Trump and his EPA director Scott Pruitt are doing everything they can to put more carbon into the atmosphere, the Washington State Senate has been advancing a carbon tax bill through the committee process. This is great news for the fight against climate change! But the bill has been watered down significantly from Gov. Inslee’s original proposal. The carbon price has been cut in half and exemptions added. Environmental justice advocates say the bill could do more to relieve workers in affected industries, and to consult with Tribal Governments.

Ask your State Senators to strengthen SB 6203, the Carbon Tax bill. Click on the following link to leave a comment, which will automatically email your State Senators:

SAMPLE SCRIPT: "I am writing to express my support for SB 6203, the Carbon Tax Bill. I am in support of the bill, but I believe it needs to be strengthened. The starting price per ton on carbon needs to be increased to $20, and the $30 cap should be increased or removed, in order to effectively reduce carbon emissions. The carbon price increases should take effect earlier, such as in 2020. There should be fewer business exemptions, to ensure that carbon emissions will come down. Also, please make sure the bill is equitable by increasing investment in communities disproportionately impacted by emissions reduction, and by consulting with tribal governments to ensure it meets their needs."

Use these links to get more information on the specifics of the carbon tax bill to inform your own comment, if desired.:

NOTE: We are aware that the Federal budget fight, Dreamers, and a pending government shutdown are top-of-mind. At the time of this writing, we don't know how our senators and representatives will vote, and what will be the state of things on Friday. Because of that, we're focusing on a local issue for today's action. We'll come back to the Federal budget, with thanks, accountability, or action next next week.

In the meantime, feel free to call your federal reps to speak your mind about this budget process as it unfolds.

Have you heard of LFOs? They help keep racist mass incarceration locked inplace.

Legal Financial Obligations (LFOs) are debts assigned by judges duringsentencing before people are imprisoned. With a 12% (!) interest rate thatstarts WHILE a person is in jail, yearly collection fees, andre-incarceration for non-payment, low income folks can spend the rest oftheir lives tied to the criminal justice system.

Find your one state Senator and two state House Representatives

Script:

“Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m calling from [ZIP] about Legal Financial Obligations. I would like Senator [NAME] to support HB 1783, to make the criminal justice system less unfair to low-income people. I don't think it's right that people have to pay 12% interest while they are in jail, and unable to make payments. Thank you.”

Yesterday a proposed bipartisan Senate budget deal was announced. This deal would raise domestic and defense spending caps, prevent the government from shutting down, and give Republicans an enormous win, while completely ignoring the plight of DREAMers.

The agreement would give us many good things – it extends CHIP funding, establishes relief aid for Puerto Rico, and sets aside money to address the opioid crisis. It also raises Defense spending by $165 billion and further dooms whatever chance Democrats had of getting a vote on the DREAM act. Rep. Pelosi spoke for 8 hours yesterday on behalf of DREAMers, saying that without a commitment to vote on the DREAM Act from Paul Ryan, no budget deal should be struck. Ryan currently won't permit debate on anything but Trump's immigration plan.

We agree with Pelosi – we demand strength from our representatives, not surrender. We should not have to compromise to pass things as basic as healthcare for children and hurricane relief - by doing so, we play right into Republican hands. Call your representatives and tell them to oppose this and any other budget deal that doesn’t acknowledge DREAMers.

Script:

“Hi, my name is [NAME] and I’m calling from [ZIP] in response to the proposed bipartisan Senate budget agreement. I am disappointed that Democrats would make this deal without any reliable commitment to vote on the DREAM Act. By abandoning DREAMers in this deal Democrats are giving up what little leverage they have, playing the Republicans' game, and alienating their base. Rep [NAME] has shown [her/his] support for DREAMers in the past, so I expect [him/her] to vote against this budget and continue to fight for a vote on the DREAM act. Thank you.”

As Rep. Jayapal often says, we need to offer “propositions not just opposition.” The Disability Integration Act (DIA) proposes fundamental civil rights legislation for the disability community, as its passage would prohibit discrimination against “individuals with disabilities who need long-term services and supports.” It is the highest legislative priority of ADAPT, the disability rights organization whose activists helped stop ACA repeal by chaining their wheelchairs to Mitch McConnell’s office furniture.

Under the DIA, states and insurance providers would be required to first pay for home and community-based services, and to offer to pay for home and community-based services for people who currently reside in institutions or nursing homes. This means that it will be easier for disabled people to get the support and services they need without ending up in institutions, segregated from the larger population, stripped of their freedom to live independent lives. The DIA has 16 Senate Democratic co-sponsors, and 72 bipartisan co-sponsors in the House, so it is baffling that our Members of Congress are not on-record supporting this important civil rights legislation.

Action: Ask Our Members of Congress to Co-sponsor the Disability Integration Act!

Sample Script

“Hello! My name is [NAME] and I’m calling from [ZIP]. I’m calling to ask [MOC NAME] to support the civil rights of millions of people with disabilities across the country by becoming a cosponsor of the Disability Integration Act (S. 910/ H.R. 2472). This bipartisan, bicameral legislation secures the civil liberties of Americans with disabilities by ensuring that they have the choice to receive home and community based services and supports. Can you ask [NAME] to sign on as a co-sponsor soon?”

HR 620, the misleadingly-named ADA Education and Reform Act, may come to a vote on the House floor very soon. The bill would remove any real incentive for businesses to remove barriers to disability access by imposing long waiting periods before barriers to access could be challenged in court. Thank Rep. Jayapal for opposing the bill in committee and ask both Representatives to vote “no.”

Help Keep Us Going in 2018

We are all volunteers at Seattle Indivisible, but a lot of what supports our basic operations, such as meeting spaces, fliers, and website hosting costs money. Please contribute to keep us going strong into 2018.

After months of pressure from Democrats, Republicans are finally acknowledging Dreamers with the McCain-Coons immigration bill. This bipartisan bill promises to give millions of Dreamers a path to citizenship without funding Trump’s border wall or restricting legal immigration. The White House is already claiming that it will not accept this bill, but making a fuss in the media is not the same as actually vetoing something. The Senate is moving forward regardless, which is the right path to take.

****Part 1: Swing Republicans on the fence

This bill may be hard to pass in the House, and every vote matters. Let's make sure Dreamers get the votes they need. Click on the link below to connect to constituents of Representatives who are on the fence, so that you can ask those constituents to protect Dreamers.http://www.theneat.org/dreamers.html

****Part 2: Keep the McCain-Coons bill clean

According to the Hill, Senator Coons (D-DE) has considered adding border wall funding to the abovementioned McCain-Coons bill, supposedly to win over more Republicans. Tell our MOCs to use their leverage on the spending bill to demand citizenship for Dreamers without restrictions on their families.

Sample script:“Hello, I’m [name] from [city/neighborhood, zip]. I want to make sure that [Senator/Representative name] uses [his/her] leverage to preserve the McCain-Coons immigration bill as it currently stands. A Dream Act that includes wall funding and a spending bill without a clean Dream Act are both unacceptable.”

Events Today

Come join us at the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building every Tuesday at 11:45am for our Resist Trump Tuesday Rally, with speakers and live music, followed by a 12:30PM meeting with Senator Murray and Cantwell's staff. This week, we will be discussing the Disability Integration Act (SB 910), and an update on the DACA/Dreamer issue.

1. Calling Senators Murray and Cantwell to urge them to press for clean Dream Act before Thursday deadline for (yet another) government shutdown.2. Writing postcards to Pennsylvania voters to help flip their 18th Congressional District seat from red to blue in next month's special election.3. Guest speaker Susannah Burrows of Indivisible WA-4 on how to network with progressive allies in central Washington.

Bring a smartphone and/or laptop computer, and bring a snack to share. Enter from the parking lot in BACK of the church. We’re in the first room on your left. This location can be reached on King County Metro routes 5 and 45.

Do you have an idea for a future daily action? If so, please e-mail us at daily-action@seattleindivisible.com.

On Friday Feb. 2nd the memo by House Intelligence Committee Chair Devin Nunes (R-CA) was released, which accuses the FBI and the Dept. of Justice of swaying the Mueller investigation into Russian government tampering with U.S. elections. Rep. Adam Schiff, the Senior Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, wrote a memo that challenges claims and illuminates inaccuracies in the Nunes memo. However, the Schiff memo has been blocked from release. Today, demand that your MOCs take action for the public release of the Schiff memo and protect the Mueller investigation.

Rep. Pramila Jayapal (9th CD): DC 202-225-3106; Seattle 206-674-0040

Rep. Adam Smith (7th CD): DC 202-225-8901; Renton 425-793-5180

Sen. Patty Murray: DC 202.224-2621; Seattle 206-553-5545

Sen. Maria Cantwell: DC 202-224-3441; Seattle 206-220-6400

SCRIPT:

"Hello, my name is [NAME] and I'm a constituent from [CITY,ZIP]. I am appalled at the House's release of the Nunes memo without allowing the Shiff memo to be published. This amounts to a smear campaign against the special counsel investigation into Russian government collusion activity in last year's elections. I am calling today to express my outrage at this attempted obstruction of justice. Please give [MOC] a message to call for the release of the House Intelligence Committee Democrats' response to the Nunes Memo and for protection of the special counsel's investigation."

REMINDERS

Come join us at the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building every Tuesday at 11:45am for our Resist Trump Tuesday Rally, with speakers and live music, followed by a 12:30PM meeting with Senator Murray and Cantwell's staff. This week, we will be discussing the Disability Integration Act (SB 910), and an update on the DACA/Dreamer issue..

Action: Stop Wage Theft

A few weeks ago, we asked you to comment on a new rule at the Department of Labor that would allow employers to keep their employees' tips. This rule has so far gotten over 300,000 responses, overwhelmingly negative. If you haven't submitted a response yet, you still have a day left to make your comment. Please do so, to protect tipped workers from wage theft.https://www.regulations.gov/document?D=WHD-2017-0003-0001

Additionally, the Restaurant Opportunities Center-Seattle (ROC-Seattle) will be hand-delivering their comments to the Seattle office of the Department of Labor, 300 5th Ave, at 1pm on Monday. More information here:https://www.facebook.com/events/2021879838057551/

BACKGROUND:

Seattle Indivisible Events for Week of February 4, 2018

TUESDAY, 11:45am: Resist Trump Tuesdsay Rally

Come join us at the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building every Tuesday at 11:45am for our Resist Trump Tuesday Rally, with speakers and live music, followed by a 12:30PM meeting with Senator Murray and Cantwell's staff.

This week, we will be discussing the Disability Integration Act (SB 910), which would require community based services to be offered to those with disabilities before institutionalization. Our featured speaker will be Janine Bertram, one of the national founding mothers of ADAPT. Whether or not you've heard of ADAPT, we've all seen them in action. It was ADAPT members we saw in the national news last year chaining their wheelchairs to MoCs' office furniture to stop the ACA repeal. We are honored to have Janine Bertram explain this important bill to us, and why ADAPT wants our senators to support SB 910.

Following our discussion on SB 910, Julie Negrin and Alycia Ramirez will give us an update on the DACA/Dreamer stalemate. This issue has renewed intensity as Dreamers' lives are hanging in the balance with the March 5th end to the DACA program looming, no agreement on a DACA fix and government funding running out again on February 8th. Come join us for this jam-packed rally, followed by a meeting with Senators Murray and Cantwell's staff from 12:30-1:30PM.

TUESDAY, 7:00 pm: Seattle Indivisible Weekly Meeting

ALL are invited to join us as neighbors and concerned citizens to fight back against unjust political policies based on exclusion, inequality, hate, lies, and fear.

We oppose the Trump/GOP agenda and we support policies that promote inclusion, fairness, truth, and respect for all.

Our goal is to unite ALL Americans regardless of party affiliation behind principles that transcend party politics. And we are committed to holding ALL elected officials accountable for failing to uphold justice for all.

REMINDER: MUELLER/ROSENSTEIN Rapid Response

Due to the changing climate around the release of the so-called "Nunes memo", MoveOn National is now including "actions that would prevent the investigation from being conducted freely, such as replacing Mueller’s current supervisor, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, or repealing the regulations establishing the office," as an event that would trigger an immediate demonstration at Cal Anderson Park.

Please keep an eye out on the news, your text alerts and emails, and remember:

If news breaks BEFORE 2pm local time, demonstrations will take place at 5pm same day.

If news breaks AFTER 2pm local time, demonstrations will take place at 12pm THE FOLLOWING DAY.

**Seattle Indivisible has been coordinating with MoveOn.org to build a local rapid response in the event Mueller is fired. In light of recent developments please read the update from our local organizers regarding Deputy Attorney General Rosenstein at the bottom of this post.

** Come join our Resist Trump rally this Tuesday, Feb. 6th where we are fortunate to have a national speaker from ADAPT--the advocacy group that chained their wheelchairs to MoCs' furniture last year to stop the ACA repeal. Come hear Janine Bertram, this Tuesday 11:45 a.m. outside the Henry M. Jackson Federal Building. https://www.facebook.com/events/207978356430822/

Action: Sign up to phone bank to pressure GOP legislators around the country to pass the DREAM Act!

National Equality Action Team (NEAT) provides an opportunity for people in blue districts to have an impact on protecting Dreamers by mobilizing voters in swing districts. On this phonebank, you will be calling likely supporters of the Dreamers in key Congressional districts around the country and transferring those voters to leave messages with their Representative in support of this issue.

NEAT provides online webinar training to make these calls from the comfort of your home, and individual help from the organizer, Brian Silva, if you have a question. NEAT uses an automated dialer called CallHub which works well and makes the process efficient and rewarding. You need a computer, a phone and a Facebook account. Sign up at this link for a shift - webinar training is available at the beginning of every shift so it will be fresh in your mind as you start dialing and talking to voters. http://www.theneat.org/dreamers.html

--------------

Mueller/Rosenstein Rapid Response Update:

Due to the changing climate around the release of the so-called "Nunes memo", MoveOn National is now including "actions that would prevent the investigation from being conducted freely, such as replacing Mueller’s current supervisor, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, or repealing the regulations establishing the office," as an event that would trigger an immediate demonstration at Cal Anderson Park.

Please keep an eye out on the news, your text alerts and emails, and remember:

-If news breaks BEFORE 2pm local time, demonstrations will take place at 5pm same day.

-If news breaks AFTER 2pm local time, demonstrations will take place at 12pm THE FOLLOWING DAY.

Last year, Congress passed the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA), which mandated sanctions on Russia to punish it for interfering in our elections. The vote was bipartisan and almost unanimous. The deadline for implementing sanctions was Monday, and the Trump administration refused to execute the law passed by Congress and signed by the President.

Senator Claire McCaskill has called this a constitutional crisis. The role of the president is to execute the laws passed by congress. That's why it's called the Executive Branch. Trump is flouting the very basic structure of the constitution, as understood by every 8th grader in America. This cannot stand.

Strangely, congress has been fairly quiet on this issue. We need them to stand up for themselves, for the constitution, for the rule of law, and for us.

ACTION: Ask our senators and reps to stand up for Congress, and insist that Trump implement sanctions on Russia for tampering with our election.

Script

“Hi, my name is [NAME] and I am calling from [ZIP] regarding Sanctions on Russia. I am horrified that President Trump has decided to ignore his constitutional duty to execute the Countering America's Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) law passed by congress. I agree with Senator McCaskill that this is a constitutional crisis. I am afraid of what this means for the rule of law, and for Russia's future actions. I want Senator/Representative [NAME] to speak out strongly against Trump on this, and insist on the implementation of sanctions."

The president has been trumping up a big $1.5 trillion dollar infrastructure plan, but as you might expect, the leaked versions of it are heinous. Among other things, the plan robs public health to give to corporations. According to the Center for American Progress, the plan threatens to cripple at least 10 crucial environmental laws that protect our health and our world, including NEPA, the Endangered Species Act, the Clean Air Act, and the Clean Water Act. For instance, the plan would prioritize property development over the protection of endangered species, and would allow companies to increase efficiency by disregarding air and water quality standards.

Republicans are gearing up to push this plan hard this year, so we need to show our opposition early and often. That way we can make sure that our representatives do not try to compromise, but instead oppose it from the get-go.

Script:

“Hi, my name is [NAME] and I am calling from [ZIP] regarding Trump’s supposed infrastructure plan. As I’m sure you know, the leaked versions of this plan include fundamental changes to environmental protections such as NEPA, ESA, and the Clean Water and Air Acts. I would like [Rep] to make it clear that she/he will not agree to any plan that throws the environment under the bus.”

After the recent shutdown, Congress passed another continuing resolution (CR) to keep the government running. While the CR included a six-year funding renewal for the Children's Health Insurance Program, it left out community health centers, putting essential healthcare services at risk.

Community health centers are federally funded medical facilities that serve everyone, regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. These centers provide essential care to medically underserved populations like migrant farmworkers and homeless people at a relatively low cost. Community health centers, which collectively care for more than 25 million Americans, depend heavily on the federally-funded Community Health Centers Fund (CHCF) to keep their doors open. Without CHCF funding, the Department of Health and Human Services estimates, over 9 million patients would lose access to care, about 50,000 people in low-income areas would lose their jobs, and hundreds of community health centers would be forced to close.

Our Senators have told us they are working hard to get reauthorization of the CHCF into the upcoming budget resolution. Tell them you support their efforts, and ask our Representatives to do the same.

Suggested Script

“Hi, my name is [NAME] and I'm a constituent from [CITY & ZIP]”

[SENATORS] “I'm calling to thank Senator [NAME] for working to reauthorize funding for the Community Health Centers Fund. Community health centers provide essential healthcare to millions of vulnerable Americans and need this money to stay open. Tell her that her constituents support all efforts to maintain and expand Americans’ healthcare while it is under attack by this Administration and its Republican backers.”

[REPRESENTATIVES] “I'm calling to urge Rep. [NAME] to push for immediate funding reauthorization for the Community Health Centers Fund. Community health centers provide essential healthcare to millions of vulnerable Americans and need this money to stay open. Tell [NAME] I support all efforts to maintain and expand Americans’ healthcare while it is under attack by this Administration and its Republican backers.”

Action: Support Health Insurance for All

Legislation that would reorganize the US health insurance system of private insurers into a single public payer system was introduced a couple of months ago by Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) and 15 other Democratic senators. The bill would cover children and other Americans not already eligible for Medicare. It would cover essential health care, with private insurers covering elective procedures. Our Senators have still not signed on. A similar bill has been introduced in the House, H.R. 676, the Expanded and Improved Medicare for All Act: both Rep. Smith and Rep. Jayapal are co-sponsors. Tell your MOC that we still need better and more affordable health care in America, and that the Medicare for All plan is an important first step.

Sample script:"Hello, my name is [name] and I'm from [city, zip]. I am still concerned about the attack on affordable health care and the ACA by the GOP and President Trump. We need affordable health care for all Americans. I am in support of the Medicare for All healthcare plan proposed in the House and Senate. Please continue the fight on this issue.[For Senators} Why isn’t Senator {NAME] a cosponsor of the Senate bill?"[For Reps] Please thank Rep {NAME] for co-sponsoring H.R. 676.

****State Level

Meanwhile, each house of the Washington state legislature is working through a single-payer health insurance bill of its own, with each bill receiving bipartisan support. Please call your state Senator and ask them to move SB 5701 out of committee and vote yes.

On the House side, we are still waiting for a hearing. Please call your House representative and ask them to vote yes on HB 1026. If you are in the 34th LD, please call your representative, Eileen Cody, Chair of the House Health and Wellness Committee, and let her know that there is enough support on the floor for her to hold a hearing on HB 1026.

Sample Script: “Hello, I’m [name], and I’m from [city, zip]. With the GOP and President Trump determined to undermine the ACA, it is time for Washington to step in and make sure that its citizens can afford health care. I ask that [Senator/Representative name] support the [Senate: Washington Apple Care Trust (SB 5701), House: Washington Health Security Trust (HB 1026)].”

Action: Defend the Mueller Investigation from Threats by Trump

Last week it was revealed that Trump ordered Special Counsel Mueller fired back in June 2017. Although White House Counsel McGahn prevented Trump's action, there is still a significant risk that Mueller may be dismissed by Trump. We need this investigation to be protected; we need answers about the Russian government's possible interference in U.S. Elections. Today, tell your MOC that Congress needs to pass legislation to protect special counsels from interference from the president.

"Hello, my name is [NAME] and I'm a constituent from [CITY,ZIP]. I am deeply concerned about threats to the Mueller investigation into Russian government interference in U.S. elections. Congress needs to protect special counsels from unwarranted dismissal by the president. I urge [MOC NAME] to pass legislation that would provide this protection."